Fox News Digital has learned that the U.S. State Department is asking the Marines to send a security team to Haiti as gang violence continues to wreak havoc.
“There is no higher priority than the safety and security of American citizens overseas,” a State Department spokesperson said. “We are constantly monitoring the political and security situation and will take measures depending on the situation,” he said.
“The U.S. Embassy remains open with limited staffing and continues to provide assistance to U.S. citizens as needed. We are committed to our goals in Haiti, including providing security, stability, and prosperity for the Haitian people. I am fully committed to my efforts.”
“U.S. citizens wishing to leave Port-au-Prince should monitor information about the security situation from local news and commercial transportation sources and make arrangements to leave Haiti as the security situation and commercial transportation options permit. ‘ added the spokesperson.
Haiti extends state of emergency and curfew to fight off large-scale gang attack
A State Department official told Fox News Digital that individuals seeking information “should continue to use the phone number and email address listed on the embassy’s website.”
In July 2023, a large number of Haitians living in the Clercine neighborhood near the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince camped in the facility’s courtyard, seeking refuge from escalating gang violence. (Miami Herald/Contributor via Getty Images)
A defense official initially told Marine Corps Times that a counterterrorism security team was sent to Haiti this week, but issued a correction Friday, admitting he had misunderstood the status of the mission and the personnel involved. Questions remain about the status of such a mission, and the Pentagon said it will continue to consider its options.
“At this time, we are evaluating contingency options to ensure the safety of our embassy personnel in Haiti,” a Pentagon spokesperson told Fox News Digital. “No decisions have been made yet.” He emphasized.
‘Royal’ Haitian gang that kidnapped American missionary arrested by federal authorities before escape fight
Maj. Mason Inglehart, a spokesman for the Southern Marine Corps, told Fox News Digital that the Marine Corps deploys a FAST platoon that conducts “rapid global deployments to ensure the security of critical national assets,” including the U.S. Embassy. He said he has no plans to do so.
“While no decisions have been made yet, the Department of Defense is working with the State Department to evaluate options to ensure the safety of U.S. Embassy personnel in Haiti,” Inglehart said.
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry gave a public lecture at the United States International University (USIU) in Nairobi, Kenya, on Friday, March. 1st, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew Cusk)
Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry seized power in 2021 after the assassination of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. Henry’s predecessor, Claude Joseph, initially took over as acting president, but agreed to step down and become foreign minister just a few months later.
The country has failed to hold elections or elect a suitable new president, and a meeting of Caribbean leaders in Guyana last week set a deadline for holding elections again in mid-2025. .
Haitian gangs aim to take control of major airport in latest attack on key government facility
Henry left Haiti last week to attend a conference and then headed to Kenya to make a last-minute push for East African countries to reinstate the International Police Coalition, which sends Haiti to help establish order. Upon his return, he found himself effectively locked out of Haiti.
Henry was scheduled to fly to the Dominican Republic, but the Dominican government announced that all air traffic with Haiti had been suspended, forcing Henry to fly to Puerto Rico instead in hopes of returning home. Jimmy Cherizier, a former elite police officer who heads the gang that claimed responsibility for the attack, has repeatedly warned that Mr Henry will not be allowed to return home.
Armed gang leader Jimmy “Barbeque” Chéridier and his subordinates were seen in Port-au-Prince, Haiti on March 5, 2024. (Clarence Cifroy/AFP via Getty Images))
“Our goal is to overthrow the system,” Chélisier told reporters at an impromptu press conference in a Port-au-Prince slum. “We are fighting Ariel to the last drop of our blood.”
The U.S. Embassy in Haiti has issued a number of alerts warning that the embassy will conduct limited operations and cancel all appointments through March 12. The embassy declared a state of emergency and urged Americans not to travel to Haiti.
Graphic Content/Gang leader Jimmy “Barbeque” Chéridier speaks into his cell phone before a mission as two of his subordinates look on, March 5, 2024 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (Clarence Cifroy/AFP via Getty Images)
The embassy cited “gang-related violence and its impact on transportation and infrastructure” as its biggest concern for service continuity.
“If you have plans, please do not attempt to visit the embassy until further notice. Due to the situation, the U.S. embassy may not be able to admit anyone arriving until March 12,” the embassy said. writing.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“At this time, the U.S. Embassy is unable to facilitate air travel for civilians,” the embassy warned. “U.S. citizens are encouraged to regularly monitor our webpage for alerts, which may include the latest information regarding their options for leaving Haiti.”
“We also recommend consulting with commercial airlines and travel agents operating flights to and from Haiti,” the notice continued. “Private airlines and many travel agencies provide timely information on the options available for departure.”
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
